Did it take the theatre by storm? (7)

I believe the answer is:

tempest

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'storm?' is the definition.
(I know that storm can be written as tempest)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tempest that I've seen before include "Test MEP (anag.)" , "Shakespearean storm?" , "Cyclone" , "Met pets in fierce storm" , "terrible blow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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